Vietnamese Food in Hoi An – Local to global
Hoi An is a popular tourist destination, and that’s reflected in its food scene. You’ll find authentic local dishes, but also many restaurants designed to cater to international tastes. Compared to cities with a more local vibe, Hoi An has a higher number of stylish cafes, mid-range restaurants, and fusion dining spots. Street food and plastic-chair eateries are still around — just in lower density than in bigger Vietnamese cities.
Local Vietnamese food
Hoi An is known for regional dishes like Cao Lau, Com Ga (chicken rice), Mi Quang, and White Rose Dumplings. These are easy to find in the Old Town, at markets, and in local eateries scattered through the city. Street food plays a big role too — especially in the evenings, when vendors set up around the night market and along small lanes. Many Vietnamese restaurants here are more polished than in other parts of the country, with proper menus, nice decor, and mid-range prices, even if the food remains traditional.
Western and fusion food
Thanks to the steady flow of international visitors, there are also plenty of Western options — especially near An Bang Beach and in the newer parts of town. Expect to find wood-fired pizza, vegan cafés, craft burgers, tapas, and high-end fusion menus combining Vietnamese ingredients with European techniques. These restaurants are often run by locals or expats and usually have strong English-speaking service and stylish interiors.
Where to eat what
- Old Town – Mostly traditional Vietnamese cuisine, with some fusion and a few Western spots around the riverside
- An Bang Beach – Laid-back beachside restaurants with a mix of seafood, Vietnamese BBQ, and Western menus
- Countryside areas (like Cam Thanh, Cam Nam) – Hidden gems offering home-style meals, farm-to-table experiences, and a more local setting away from the crowds
This mix makes Hoi An a great place to try both the best of Vietnamese food and something familiar from home — all within a short bike ride.
Unique food experiences in Hoi An
Beyond restaurants and markets, Hoi An offers some great food experiences that combine local flavor with setting, culture, and atmosphere. Here are four highlights that give you a deeper taste of the city.
1. Vietnamese cooking class
Joining a cooking class is one of the most hands-on ways to connect with Hoi An’s food culture. Most classes start with a visit to the local market or herb garden, then guide you through prepping and cooking several Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, papaya salad, or Cao Lau. Some also include extras like fishing or rice planting. It’s a fun, interactive way to learn about ingredients, techniques, and daily life — and you’ll leave with recipes you can actually use.
Read here more about best cooking classes in Hoi An.
2. Hoi An dinner cruise
A dinner cruise on the Thu Bon River lets you enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes while gliding past lantern-lit streets and quiet riverbanks. Most cruises include a set menu with local flavors, served on deck as the sun sets and the city lights come on. It’s a relaxed and romantic way to enjoy Hoi An food from a different perspective — perfect for couples or anyone wanting a slow evening without the crowds.
3. Street food at night
Hoi An’s street food scene comes alive after dark, especially around the night market and side alleys near the Old Town. Pull up a plastic stool and dig into hot Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes), grilled skewers, or a classic Banh Mi from a local cart. It’s cheap, flavorful, and a great way to experience Vietnamese food like the locals do — no frills, just good eats under the lantern glow.
4. Beach BBQ at An Bang
An Bang Beach isn’t just about cocktails and sunsets — many restaurants also offer freshly grilled seafood right on the sand. Think whole fish, prawns, squid, and clams, served with rice, herbs, and dipping sauces as you watch the waves. It’s casual and atmospheric, making it a great evening option if you’re staying near the beach or want to escape the Old Town for a few hours.
Must-try local dishes in Hoi An
Hoi An food isn’t just tasty — it’s unique to the region, shaped by centuries of trade and cultural influence. These five dishes are local icons, and trying them is essential to understanding what makes Hoi An’s cuisine so special.
1. Cao Lau
Cao Lau is Hoi An’s most famous noodle dish, made with thick, chewy noodles soaked in a light, savory broth. It’s topped with sliced pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. The noodles are traditionally made using water from an ancient well in town, giving them their signature texture and flavor.
2. Banh Mi Hoi An
Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwich reaches new heights in Hoi An. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s packed with fillings like grilled pork, pate, pickled veggies, herbs, and chili sauce. Each stall or shop has its own twist — and some are considered among the best banh mi in Vietnam.
3. Com Ga (Chicken Rice)
Com Ga is a simple but flavorful plate of shredded chicken over turmeric rice, often served with fresh herbs, onions, and a light broth on the side. It’s one of the most common local meals and perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
4. Mi Quang
This colorful noodle dish from Central Vietnam features flat rice noodles with minimal broth, turmeric, pork or shrimp, and toppings like roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. It’s packed with texture and flavor — a must-try if you want to experience more than just pho.
Best restaurants in Hoi An
Hoi An has no shortage of places to eat, but a few stand out for their food, setting, and consistency. From local staples to refined tasting menus, these are some of the best restaurants in Hoi An — each offering a unique take on the city’s rich culinary scene.
1. Morning Glory
- Location: Old Town
- Type of food: Traditional Vietnamese
Morning Glory is one of the most established restaurants in Hoi An and a go-to place for trying local dishes in a comfortable, beautifully restored colonial setting. It serves many of Hoi An’s regional specialties, including Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and white rose dumplings, all made with high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is elegant yet casual, making it one of the best restaurants in Hoi An for those who want authentic food in a refined setting. It’s ideal for both first-timers and return visitors looking to enjoy traditional flavors with great service.
2. Mango Mango
- Location: Old Town, riverside
- Type of food: Vietnamese fusion
Mango Mango blends local ingredients with international styles to create one of the most creative menus among Hoi An restaurants. Chef Duc’s bold combinations — like passionfruit sauces on seafood or tropical twists on spring rolls — stand out from the typical Vietnamese offerings. Add in colorful decor and views over the lantern-lit river, and you’ve got a memorable dining experience. It’s one of the best restaurants in Hoi An for foodies looking for something different.
3. Bep 1919
- Location: Old Town, riverside
- Type of food: Traditional Vietnamese
Bep 1919 focuses on Vietnamese heritage dishes served in a warm, lantern-filled setting overlooking the Thu Bon River. It’s known for its consistency, classic presentation, and great location for an evening meal near the heart of the Ancient Town. With dishes like Com Ga, claypot pork, and fresh local vegetables, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to enjoy real Vietnamese flavors in a relaxed but slightly upscale setting.
4. Vy’s Market Restaurant
- Location: Old Town
- Type of food: Interactive Vietnamese dining
More than just a restaurant, Vy’s Market is part eatery, part cooking school, and part live kitchen experience. Diners can walk through a market-style interior where chefs prepare dishes like Banh Xeo, pho, and grilled meats right in front of you. This concept was created by Ms. Vy — one of Hoi An’s most famous culinary figures — and offers an educational and delicious way to dive into local cuisine. It’s one of the best restaurants in Hoi An for a fun, hands-on dining experience.
5. Aubergine49
- Location: Just outside Old Town
- Type of food: Fine dining, Vietnamese-European fusion
Aubergine49 is where you go for a true fine dining experience in Hoi An. Run by a chef who trained in Michelin-starred kitchens, the menu mixes European techniques with local ingredients in a stylish, intimate space. Dishes are seasonal, beautifully presented, and ideal for a special night out. Among the best restaurants in Hoi An for high-end cuisine, it’s perfect if you’re celebrating or just want to experience the city’s more refined side.
6. The Field Restaurant & Bar
- Location: Cam Nam countryside
- Type of food: Vietnamese, seafood, nature-inspired
Set among rice fields just outside the Old Town, The Field offers a peaceful escape with great Vietnamese food and a relaxed, open-air setting. You can sit under palm trees or in bamboo huts while enjoying grilled seafood, fresh vegetables, and classic central Vietnamese dishes. It’s a favorite for lunch or sunset meals away from the crowds — and one of the best countryside restaurants in Hoi An for scenery and calm.
7. Red Dragon Restaurant
- Location: Cam Thanh countryside
- Type of food: Vietnamese, farm-to-table
Red Dragon is a small, peaceful restaurant tucked away in a residential part of Hoi An, popular with those who want a quiet, authentic dining experience. The food is fresh, locally sourced, and lovingly prepared — from grilled meats to veggie stir-fries. It’s not flashy, but if you’re looking for simple, well-made dishes in a calm environment, this is one of the best hidden restaurants in Hoi An.
8. White Sail Café & Restaurant
- Location: Cam Thanh (coconut village)
- Type of food: Vietnamese, seafood, vegetarian-friendly
Located in the coconut forest area, White Sail Café offers a relaxing and scenic place to eat just outside the busy town center. The menu includes seafood, Vietnamese classics, and plenty of vegetarian choices, all served in a breezy outdoor setting. It’s a good option for lunch or an early dinner after a basket boat tour — and one of the best restaurants in Hoi An if you want something quiet and off the main track.
9. An Bang Beach Village Restaurant
- Location: An Bang Beach
- Type of food: Vietnamese seafood, BBQ
This beachside restaurant is known for fresh, grilled seafood and a casual vibe with tables right in the sand. It’s a great place to eat after swimming or watching the sunset, with reasonably priced dishes like grilled fish, shrimp, and clams. Among the best restaurants near Hoi An for seafood by the sea, it offers a relaxed break from the Old Town’s busier scene.
10. Nhan’s Kitchen
- Location: Near Old Town
- Type of food: Vietnamese and Western mix
Nhan’s Kitchen is a small, family-run restaurant popular with travelers for its friendly service, honest pricing, and diverse menu. You’ll find both local dishes like Cao Lau and Western comfort food like pasta and burgers, making it a reliable spot for mixed tastes. It’s not fancy, but for everyday meals, it’s one of the best casual restaurants in Hoi An — great for couples, families, or solo diners.
